Static, Vibration, and Thermal Stress Analyses of Laminated Plates and Shells by the Hybrid-Stress Finite-Element Method, with Transverse Shear Deformation Effects Included

A method of analyzing laminated-composite, linear-elastic plate and shell structures has been developed based on the hybrid stress finite-element model. Flat-plate elements are used for both plate and shell structures. Three quadrilateral elements designated by ELEM1, ELEMZ, and ELEMR, all with linear in-plane boundary displacement and linear in-plane stress assumptions, are chosen for use. Transverse shear deformation effects, and rotary as well as in- plane inertia, are included in all of these elements. The ELEM1 element can be applied to single-layer thin or moderately thick plates and shells. The ELEMR element can be applied to multilayer thin plates and shells, and the ELEMZ element may be used to analyze single-layer or multilayer, thin or thick plates and shells.